1. Who can be a disciple? (25-27)

There is a difference between merely traveling with Jesus and following Jesus. A large crowd was traveling with Jesus, but how many of them were ready and willing to be his disciples? Disciples of Jesus love him more than anyone else – even their own family members. They also love him more than anything in the world, even their own lives. Jesus says that whoever does not carry their cross and follow him cannot be his disciple. This means that in order to live as his disciples, we must be willing to deny ourselves and sacrifice everything for him.

2. Consider the cost (28-35)

Jesus wanted the people in the crowd to consider how much it would cost them to follow him. If they were not willing to give up everything they had, they could not be his disciples. He wanted them to commit to him knowing the full cost. He compared their situation to someone who wants to build a tower. Wouldn’t they see if they had enough money to even finish it? He also compared their situation to a king deciding whether or not he has enough resources to successfully fight a war. A disciple of Jesus is someone who knows the cost and is willing to surrender everything for the Lord. Such a person honors the Lord and is useful to him.


Application: Lord Jesus, help us to grow as true disciples.
One Word: Carry your cross and follow Jesus